Jim Haldeman is a candidate for State Representative in Rhode Island’s 35th district (South Kingstown). Though this will be his first campaign for elected office, it is certainly not his first experience with politics and government…

During a seven month period from March — September 2005, [Lt. Col. Haldeman] acted as principle representative of the U.S led coalition in Fallujah, where his primary role was to build relations with the people and to establish a new government in Fallujah and surrounding areas. His contributions stand out in several areas. As quoted by Kael Weston, Department of State Representative…
Lt. Col Haldeman’s contributions in Fallujah warrant special recognition. His role stands out even in a setting where so many others have contributed so much to overarching U.S. objectives. Lt. Col Haldeman’s performance and commitment helped ensure that incoming Marines are well-positioned to build on the groundwork that he and his CMOC team have laid. He represents the best traditions and high standards of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Continuing his answer to Anchor Rising’s question about running for office, Mr. Haldeman discussed the dangerous trends that are shaping the future of Rhode Island…

Right now, the kids who are graduating from college are not coming here. They’re not staying here. They’re going to Massachusetts and New Hampshire and Connecticut. And as I make my rounds and talk to the older generation, they tell me they’re leaving too. They stayed for only one reason — because their kids were here. But now that the younger generation can’t find a job, the parents and the grandparents are deciding to leave Rhode Island because they can’t take the tax burden.
Rhode Island is stuck with a younger generation not staying, an older generation that’s leaving, and a middle income tax base being forced to take care of all of the problems in Rhode Island. Changing this is going to take someone willing to go the General Assembly and talk about these things instead of talking about lemons and oranges at the package store.

But there is more to leading — especially leading youth — than economics. Jim Haldeman discussed a special concern of his in this vein…

I am going to be a big advocate for youth physical education. I’ve played sports all my life. If you affect children’s health, there will be less stress on healthcare.
We have to break the cycle and get people to be healthy and stay healthy. I don’t know exactly how I’m going to do it. There are a lot of issues, but we need to get kids away from the computers and TV for part of the day and get them to be physically active. We need to educate the youth and break that chain of inactivity. I will find a way to be a big proponent on this.

Finally, Mr. Haldeman gave his view of the big-picture…

My opponents can go hobnob with the all the big unions and the NEAs, and that’s fine, but the only special interest group I want to work with is called the taxpayers.
There’s a big transition taking place here in Rhode Island and I just happen to be fortunate enough to be able to ride the wave. Things are happening. Things are changing. You see it in the front pages. People want to really become educated and want to know answers and why what has happened to our state has happened. There’s going to be quite a few people hit-up in the General Assembly and asked, why is this happening?

Jim Haldeman had contemplated runnng for State Senate in Rhode Island’s 37th district, but recently decided to run for Representative in the 35th. His official campaign website will be updated soon to reflect this. In the 35th district, his opponent will be John Patrick Shanley.